The aim of the Dissertation is to enable students to undertake independent research. In the course of their projects, students will deepen their critical understanding of research design and the application of specific techniques, and will further develop theoretical and practical understandings of the approaches of the relevant discipline.
Total contact hours: 44
Private study hours: 256
Total study hours: 300
BSc Social Sciences – optional module
BA Criminal Justice Studies – optional module
Main assessment methods
Dissertation (10,000 words) (100%)
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Abbott, M. (ed.) (2008) History Skills: A Student's Handbook. London: Routledge.
Bryman, A. (2008) Social research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Denzin, N.K. and Y.S. Lincoln (eds.) (2000) Handbook of Qualitative Research. London, Sage.
Girden, E. (2001) Evaluating research articles from start to finish. London: Sage.
May, T. (2001) Social Research: issues, methods and process (3rd edition). Buckingham: Open University Press
Mills, C. Wright (1999) The Sociological Imagination. New York: Oxford University Press.
Perks, R. and A. Thompson (eds.) (2006) The Oral History Reader. London: Routledge.
Punch, K. (2005) Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. London: Sage.
Silverman, D. (2005) Doing qualitative research: a practical handbook. London: Sage.
Stevenson, A. (2007) Studying Psychology. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Identify and investigate a chosen problem or topic in depth using primary and secondary source materials.
8.2 Make use of an appropriate range of research techniques previously studied in the research methods modules.
8.3 Demonstrate the relationship of the study to existing theories and debates.
8.4 Demonstrate a firm grasp and critical awareness of methodological principles.
8.5 Produce a 10,000 word dissertation, presenting findings in a structured form, properly referenced and with a full bibliography, making use of ICT.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Undertake an extended piece of writing that demonstrates a highly developed skill in written communication.
9.2 Gather library, internet and other sources, make judgements about their merits and use them to construct a critical argument.
9.3 Make good use of appropriate IT packages to analyse and communicate results.
9.4 Study independently, setting personal targets for completion of work and reviewing progress.
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